VITRONIC and Thales to Supply Multi-Lane, Free-Flow Tolling System in Australia
01 April 2008
Technology from Wiesbaden allows free-flow traffic on major roads
VITRONIC's TollCheckerfreeflow system is at the centre of the Free-Flow Tolling implementation project in Queensland, Australia, which was recently awarded to Thales, a leading supplier of security solutions and services. The single gantry solution is to be introduced on Brisbane’s Gateway Bridge and Logan Motorway and includes optical vehicle detection, classification and Automated Licence Plate Recognition for the collection of tolls.
From mid 2009 onwards, existing toll plazas on several roads operated by Queensland Motorways Limited will be replaced by an automatic free-flow payment system. With an estimated 69 million vehicles travelling along these roads annually, motorists will benefit from improved travel conditions, reduced travel times and safer roads. Payment will be made by either a transponder located on the vehicle’s windscreen or through licence plate identification - at full motorway speeds. Tolls are subsequently deducted from pre-registered accounts.
To provide the most accurate results, TollCheckerfreeflow consists of several integrated sub systems: multiple detection units identify and track all vehicles on multi-lane roads, irrespective of speed and position. Synchronised front and rear ALPR (Automatic Licence Plate Recognition) cameras locate and capture the diverse range of Australian license plates and customised software is used for optical character recognition. Additional cameras concurrently capture overview images of the vehicle whilst optical classification sensors determine the vehicle type and toll class through the application of diverse criteria, including size, number of axles and the presence of trailers. Operation requires only a single gantry per location and no in-road equipment. Non-visible laser technology provides unobtrusive, industry leading success rates - even in heavy traffic.
Based in Wiesbaden, Germany, VITRONIC has been developing machine vision systems for almost 25 years. The company has already successfully implemented a similar system for TollCollect, the operator of the German national truck tolling scheme, the largest Multi-Lane Free-Flow project worldwide. Some 300 stationary gantries monitor 1000 lanes of traffic and allow unimpeded traffic flow on Autobahns throughout Germany. With an international presence, the service and support for this installation will be provided by VITRONIC's office in Melbourne, Australia.
"This contract award for VITRONIC reaffirms its position as a global leader for tolling and traffic technology," VITRONIC's President Dr Norbert Stein explains. "Our TollCheckerfreeflow systems will continue to gain market share, as more and more customers see the operational and cost benefits of this technology."
